Acquired Services and Assets Sector Communities Management Office

The Acquired Services and Assets Sector Communities Management Office (ASAS CMO) promotes professionalism and excellence to over 22,000 public service employees who work in:

Procurement

Procurement specialists are responsible for planning for and executing the acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, or services that support the delivery of government programs, while providing the best value for the Crown. They work with their clients to define requirements, forecast life-cycle costs, and develop and implement procurement strategies. Some specialists design, build and negotiate sophisticated procurement instruments for government-wide use, while others are more focused on specific departmental program requirements. Specialists also provide policy interpretation and advice on existing and proposed policies, ensuring that policies, directives and best practices are understood and remain current and relevant.

Materiel Management

Materiel specialists are responsible for the management of the Crown's movable and tangible assets (vehicles, equipment, furniture, furnishings, etc.) throughout their life cycle, i.e., planning, some procurement, operations and maintenance, and disposition. They ensure these assets are used efficiently and effectively when supporting program delivery. Materiel specialists track and safeguard their department's materiel assets, including controlled goods and those that have recognized heritage value. They also ensure that at the end of the life cycle, the transfer or disposal of surplus materiel is effective and obtains the best value for the Crown.

Real Property

Real property specialists are responsible for managing federal real property (land, buildings, infrastructure and space) throughout their life cycle, i.e., planning, acquisition, operations and maintenance, and disposition. They ensure these assets are used efficiently and effectively when supporting program delivery. In addition to being knowledgeable about the financial planning and administration of real property, these specialists must understand technical information related to real estate transactions, building and fire codes, accessibility standards, and cultural and environmental requirements, to make sound decisions.

There is wide diversity in the work performed by real property specialists. These specialists can be found in the following domains: property and facility management; project management; architecture and engineering; portfolio, program and policy management; accommodations management; environmental services; geomatic services; real property support; general labour and trades; fire protection; and heating plant.

These professionals ensure that at the end of the life cycle, the transfer or disposal of surplus real property is concluded, as effectively as possible, in a transparent manner that obtains the highest value for the Crown.

Project Management

Project management specialists are responsible for the effective planning, definition, implementation, monitoring and control, transition, and close-out of projects. Working in a variety of roles (e.g. project sponsors, project managers, project specialist), these experts ensure that projects are delivered while ensuring the realization of the expected benefits. Project management specialists work closely with functional specialists in areas such as risk, finance, change management, human resources, communications, scheduling and procurement.

Project management is the “systematic planning, organizing and control of allocated resources to accomplish identified project objectives and outcomes. Project management is normally reserved for focused, non-repetitive, time-limited activities with some degree of risk, and for activities beyond the usual scope of program (operational) activities.” 2019 Policy on the Planning and Management of Investments. Common business areas where projects are necessary to move from the current state to a future state where the business and/or stakeholders will realize the intended benefits: developing a new computer system; creating a communications network; building or renovating a property; and, research and/or developing new products and services.